Vancouver bagel bakeries to cure your carb cravings

A sprinkling of sesame seeds or a dusting of cinnamon can transform a mundane bagel into a tasty snack at any time of day. NYC and Montreal might be world-renowned for their bagels, but there are plenty of Vancouver bakeries that take pride in satisfying carb cravings of both the sweet and savoury varieties. Pick up your doughy discs by the dozen or sit down for a full on bagel-based breakfast sandwich at these local spots.

Traditional Jewish baked goods are prepared fresh on-site at this family-owned bakery and deli with three locations across the city. You’ll find over a dozen varieties of hand-rolled Brooklyn-style boiled bagels, each created with an authentic recipe that’s been handed down over generations. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the classic Solly’s Eggel, which features your choice of bagel topped with scrambled egg and melted cheese.

Joel Siegel started his celebrated Montreal-style bagel joint in Kitsilano over two decades ago after relocating from Quebec. Today, the brick oven at Siegel’s never sleeps, which means hungry west enders can satisfy their carb cravings 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Crunchy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside, bagels range from the classics (sesame, poppy-seed) to the adventurous. The bestselling rosemary-infused bagel topped with rock salt is so popular it went on to inspire its own spin-off bakery. You’ll also find a grab-and-go Siegel’s outpost at the Granville Island Public Market.

Visit this North Van bakery and you’ll be easily tempted by the sight of golden-brown discs heaped into delectable piles in wicker baskets behind the counter. Given the name, its no surprise that these are some of the best Montreal-style bagels you’ll find this side of the Rockies. Open since 1999, the specialty bakery serves up made-from-scratch bagels prepared in a fully BC Kosher-certified facility. The fresh-baked beauties disappear quickly so you’ll have to wake up pretty early if you’re hoping to score your fave flavours; luckily, there’s Kicking Horse coffee on brew to help give you a morning jolt.

Plan to stay a while at this casual café on West Broadway to enjoy the relaxed vibe and mouth-watering menu of made-to-order bagel sandwiches. The large wooden tables, free Wi-Fi and affordable prices have made Benny’s a neighbourhood institution and a popular student hangout. If you’re looking for a savoury breakfast with an added kick, try the spicy sausage bagel, which features chorizo, pickles, tomatoes and sauerkraut atop a cheesy jalapeno bagel.

Inspired by the bestselling bagel at Siegel’s, this spin-off bakery with locations in North Van’s Upper Lonsdale and on Main Street serves up over a dozen bagel varieties. The daily flavor roster includes an almost gluten-free option and the namesake rosemary rock salt of course. Authentic Montreal-style bagels are prepared with care: boiled in a honey-water mixture to start and then baked in a stone-hearth oven to give them a dense, chewy texture. If you’re looking for a true taste of Quebec, try the smoked meat bagel – the brisket is shipped in weekly from Montreal.

Bagels and buns and breads, oh my! This award-winning retail bakery has been turning out artisanal European baked goods and desserts in Hastings Sunrise for over 50 years. Fresh bagels are made on-site daily from scratch. Call ahead to place an order for a dozen to serve at your next at-home brunch party or to enjoy at a casual park picnic.

You’ll find over 10 varieties of bagelwiches on the chalkboard menu at this cozy spot on Commercial Drive. Locals love the seafood-inspired creations such as the Loxentine (topped with smoked salmon, egg, spinach, red onion and dill cream cheese) and the West Coast, which features shrimp, avocado, cucumber, sprouts and cream cheese. The friendly staff are happy to share their suggestions if you’re not sure which ‘wich to order.

Jessica is a writer, editor and recovering Torontonian living in Vancouver. She works in PR for SMC Communications, and prior to that, she was the Vancouver City Editor for Yellow Pages. On the weekends she enjoys sweating it out at Tight Club in East Van, shopping for home decor treasures along South Granville and nibbling on cheese plates while knocking back craft cocktails in Gastown.

Tourism Vancouver’s annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival is back this winter from January 19th to February 4th. The 17-day culinary festival will see some of the city’s hottest restaurants serving an array of mouth-watering prix-fixe menus. If you want to take your significant other for a special meal, plan a date night at one of these romantic eateries. [Photo courtesy of Boulevard/Leila Kwok]

Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver Festival is back this winter from January 19th to February 4th. The 17-day culinary event will see some of the city’s top restaurants serving mouth-watering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. If you’re looking for a kid-approved spot with a casual atmosphere and plenty of choices for picky eaters, book a table at these family-friendly restaurants. [Photo courtesy of Bufala]

Tourism Vancouver’s annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival is back this winter from January 19th to February 4th. The 17-day culinary event provides foodies with a great opportunity to eat at Vancouver’s most acclaimed restaurants for less. If you want an upscale meal in an elegant setting, these high-end spots deliver a great bang for your buck. [Photo courtesy of YEW Seafood + Bar]